Thursday, April 28, 2011

First Love

About 15 years ago, I began my teaching career. I loved it. The actual teaching part was rewarding and satisfying. Recently, I had a chance to reminisce. And honestly, I miss it. Though I wouldn’t trade being a stay-at-home mom, I miss it. And if I were to ever go back to teaching, I would be a very different teacher. Having kids changed me. For the better, I would hope :).

With 10+ years of teaching, I have many memories. But none compares to my first year. My first year was very exciting to say the least. Hired 2 days before first day of school (pretty much right after college/credential program), roving into different classrooms every month, with no math textbooks (Mathland, need I say more…), was the least of my challenges. I had a colorful array of students. At one point I had 10 RSP (a form of special education) students including 2 mainstream students from special education. I had a student with leukemia (she was in remission at the start of school). The class was also extremely transient with many families living in motels and of course lice problems. Many of my students had behavioral and emotional issues. One had trichotillomania (compulsive urge to pull out one’s own hair). She had no hair above her neck. I also had a student who had seizures due to damage to the brain. Many of my students were broken and needed love and stability. I remember being a counselor, nurse, mom, friend, but not a teacher. I was stretched and don’t know how I survived. For the minority of my kids who were “normal”, I wasn’t able to give them more of myself.

But to this day, Bobby, Jason, Stacy, Vanessa, Elizabeth, Nick, J.R., Melissa, Valon… I remember. I remember your names, your faces, and your growth. This was my favorite year. My first love. Wherever you are… I am thinking of you.

wow, i had no idea you taught for that many years! how great it is that you still remember their names... I LOVED my kindergarten teacher and remember bawling in 2nd grade when I learned she passed away. Teachers make such a big impact!